Day Two – 30 in 30

One little, two little, three little…

Feathers (Indians).

I remember that song from childhood, and Bugs Bunny. The originals mind you. I never thought it was anything other than a fun song, but now that I am an adult, I know better. Sad how some things come about. If you are interested in learning more, take a look at this Wiki page. I did not know it was Irish, or that there was an Icelandic version. The originals are really gruesome, especially when you consider they were for children.

More pieces and parts of what will be a repeating pattern. I am showing you the progression, starting with my sketches. Looking for interesting shapes… oh and an OOPS! Red got away from me. Thinking that these will be smaller elements in the design, to give a bit of depth.

Feathers sketches. Watercolor and pencil. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Feathers sketches. Watercolor and pencil. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Here, after a digital cleaning. They are each individual pieces. It isn’t showing in the scan, but I did add a bit of grey to give some form to the quills. After the cleaning, it just looked like dirt, so I took that out as well. The final design will be as much about the white, or negative space, as it will be about the feather shapes.

Feathers cropped and cleaned. Watercolor, approx. 2. in. tall. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Feathers cropped and cleaned. Watercolor, approx. 2. in. tall. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Playing with the idea of adding digital elements. If you take a look at yesterday’s feather, you can see that my white pens were not cooperating.  And while I do like the soft look, for a painting, those details will have less impact in a pattern design.

These digital lines really pop.

Digitally enhanced feathers. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Digitally enhanced feathers. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Another benefit of adding details digitally, is that they can easily be changed within the design. For instance, once the feathers are placed in a repeat, I may see that I have to many dots close together, or the lines may need to be thicker to show up. That is part of the fun of designing, so many options to play with!

Don’t forget to glance at Leslie’s page for all of today’s amazing artwork. I have also started a Pinterest board for the Challenge. Hoping to give a little more exposure that will maybe even lead to sales!

 

Happy painting everyone!

 

 

 

18 thoughts on “Day Two – 30 in 30

  1. Joan of Art @ Linden Line Designs

    Love these feathers – both in watercolor as well as the digital. It is really cool that you started a pinterest board. I need to go on there more, it’s such a fun site. Thank you for adding my painting #1 to your pinterest board, it was exciting to see it there. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you have in store for day #3.

    Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      You’re welcome Joan. I will need to make up for a couple days, I won’t have time to add more until Friday. I love being able to see so many great works all at once. happy painting to you Joan!

      Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      Thank you Carol. Not the Fine art that you create, but art just the same. I am hoping to do s few landscapes later this month.

      Reply
  2. shadowlilies

    Scanned through the Little Indians article on wiki…I never knew that either. So sad…really so many songs and nursery rhymes and stories for little children were not always very nice.

    Love your feathers!!!

    Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      Thanks shadowlillies. (love that name) I know right, no wonder kids need to sleep with the light on! ha ha

      Reply
        1. Sheila Post author

          I knew but I forgot… hehehe YOU DO have too many blogs. And I know I am following Words of life, but I don’t think I am getting the posts… need to sign up again. 🙂

          Reply

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